Describe an existing fault safely
If something has failed, start with what you noticed. Which room or fitting is affected? Is it constant or intermittent? Did anything else stop at the same time? These are observations, not a diagnosis. You should not open an outlet, expose wiring or deliberately repeat a problem to collect information. Our fault-finding guidance explains how to describe an ordinary electrical symptom safely.
Keep the first step manageable
The enquiry planner is optional. It is useful if you have several rooms or jobs to describe and would like to keep them together. For a single concern, a sentence such as a bedroom light keeps flickering is a perfectly reasonable starting point. Include the pattern you have already noticed, rather than trying to reproduce it.
For a unit or townhouse, mention any building contact or access arrangement you already know. For a rental, distinguish reporting a fault from proposing a new fixed fitting. Queensland tenancy guidance requires written permission for fixture changes, with body corporate involvement where applicable. You can still enquire while you clarify permission. Do not arrange a discretionary alteration before the required approval is in place.
Compare the work, not just the headline price
Look for separate treatment of supplied products, installation, any additional electrical work and making good where relevant. If a proposal includes broader board work, ask what finding or planned change makes that part of the scope. If a cost depends on something not yet inspected, ask how that assumption will be confirmed and how extra work would be authorised. The quote checklist provides a practical way to keep those comparisons together.
Know when a deadline changes the conversation
For smoke alarms, the use of the dwelling matters as well as its layout. Existing private homes, townhouses and units must meet Queensland's interconnected photoelectric requirements by 1 January 2027. Sale, rental and new-dwelling obligations have their own timing. The smoke-alarm page separates those questions and explains what existing-alarm and bedroom information can be useful.
You do not need to count or reposition alarms yourself to start an enquiry. Tell us whether you own, rent, are selling or are arranging work on a rental property. Mention any deadline you are working towards. A property-specific assessment determines the installation scope, rather than a generic count based on the suburb or size of the home.
An electrical shock needs an immediate safety response
If you receive a shock or tingle from an appliance or metal fitting such as a tap, call Energex on 13 19 62 immediately. Keep clear, warn others and do not touch the switchboard, appliances or metal fittings until the property is made safe. This safety action comes before an ordinary job enquiry. Seek medical advice after an electric shock.
Tell us what needs attention
Choose a relevant job for more detail, or check your locality for practical preparation. Call 07 2000 4805 or send your enquiry.